In
the most recent issue of Pharmacy Connection, we provided an update
regarding the College’s new community pharmacy practice assessments
which we began piloting in early 2015. These routine pharmacy visits are
a primary quality assurance activity of the College and now include an
assessment of pharmacy operations and an evaluation of an individual(s)
practitioners performance in their practice site.
These
new assessments are designed to increase adherence to both pharmacy
operations and individual practice standards. The goal is to
provide support through coaching and mentoring so processes and
procedures can be improved and patients can benefit from better health
outcomes.
In
order to assist designated managers, other pharmacists, and pharmacy
technicians in better understanding and/or preparing for a practice
assessment we recently posted the Community Pharmacy Operations Assessment Criteria and the Individual Practitioner (Pharmacist) Assessment Criteria on our website.
These
documents identify the specific standards – which describe minimum
operational and practice requirements – that a community practice
advisor will focus on during a practice assessment. A guidance section
is included to assist practitioners in better understanding and
self-evaluating if their current processes, procedures and practice
behaviours are effective in meeting the required standard.
Although
designated managers are given prior notice, via email, of an upcoming
practice assessment, appointments are not currently made and the
individual practitioner(s) who will be assessed during the visit are not
identified in advance. Therefore, it is recommended that all
professional and support staff working at the pharmacy review the
criteria documents in advance of an assessment.
To learn more visit the Key Initiative – New Practice Assessments on the College website.